Italian Food Prices Soar: Groceries Up 30% in 5 Years

Over the last five years, the cost of essential food items in Italian shopping baskets has climbed by nearly a third. This 29.5% increase significantly outpaces general inflation, which stood at 21% during the same period. Notably, prices for vegetables jumped by 39%, coffee by 51%, and extra virgin olive oil by 47%.

As of August 31, 2026, this trend has impacted families' purchasing habits. A survey indicated that over 31% of families have reduced the quantity or quality of products they buy, compared to 24.3% in 2021. This rise in food costs also extends to breakfast items like milk and yogurt, as well as daily essentials such as eggs, rice, and bread, all showing significant price increases.

Beyond groceries, other common expenses have also seen price rises. A coffee at a bar, for instance, increased from an average of €1.07 to €1.30. Haircuts for both women and men have also become more expensive, albeit at a lower rate than food items. The smallest increase among analyzed products was for table wine, rising only 1.8%.